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Torontoist is about Toronto and everything that happens in itTue, 03 Mar 2015 18:36:42 +0000en-UShourly1Turning Point tonight at The Gladstonehttp://torontoist.com/2007/08/turning_point_t_1/
http://torontoist.com/2007/08/turning_point_t_1/#commentsSat, 18 Aug 2007 18:00:52 +0000http://torontoist.com/2007/08/turning_point_t_1/As the humidity has dropped off considerably, those craving the oh-so-far-away sweltering days of summer may want to head out to The Gladstone this evening for another Turning Point session. This time, chief conductor A Man Called Warwick will be spinning tunes all by his lonesome on a solo five hour set of MADNESS. Doors […]]]>

As the humidity has dropped off considerably, those craving the oh-so-far-away sweltering days of summer may want to head out to The Gladstone this evening for another Turning Point session. This time, chief conductor A Man Called Warwick will be spinning tunes all by his lonesome on a solo five hour set of MADNESS. Doors open at 10 and the entry is $10. And as usual, get there early to avoid the lineup.

]]>http://torontoist.com/2007/08/turning_point_t_1/feed/0Turning Point Tonight At The Infamous Gladstone Hotelhttp://torontoist.com/2007/07/turning_point_t/
http://torontoist.com/2007/07/turning_point_t/#commentsSat, 21 Jul 2007 21:55:00 +0000http://torontoist.com/2007/07/turning_point_t/It’s that time again—dance, feet, dance. After a scrumptious BBQ or a cat-like nap, pick your bones up and head over to the Gladstone Hotel where A Man Called Warwick and guest DJ General Eclectic will be turning up the big tunes for all the lovely peoples. Best bet is to always arrive before eleven […]]]>

It’s that time again—dance, feet, dance. After a scrumptious BBQ or a cat-like nap, pick your bones up and head over to the Gladstone Hotel where A Man Called Warwick and guest DJ General Eclectic will be turning up the big tunes for all the lovely peoples. Best bet is to always arrive before eleven to make sure you get through the doors without a wait.

]]>http://torontoist.com/2007/07/turning_point_t/feed/0Tall Poppy Interview: Specter, Street Interventionisthttp://torontoist.com/2007/06/specter/
http://torontoist.com/2007/06/specter/#commentsSat, 30 Jun 2007 16:00:00 +0000http://torontoist.com/2007/06/specter/If you’ve ever noticed half of a bike coming out of a wall, naked plywood people screwed into the facade of a building, a portrait of the Gladstone pasted to the Dufferin bridge or a fat rope chain hanging from the next of Adam Beck, then you’ve seen the work of Specter. A self-proclaimed prankster, […]]]>

If you’ve ever noticed half of a bike coming out of a wall, naked plywood people screwed into the facade of a building, a portrait of the Gladstone pasted to the Dufferin bridge or a fat rope chain hanging from the next of Adam Beck, then you’ve seen the work of Specter. A self-proclaimed prankster, Specter’s canvas is the city. Always inventive, his art is meant to brighten one’s day and cause people to rethink their physical surroundings. On the verge of his first solo show, Cardboard Gates, which opened Friday night at Resistor Gallery, we caught up with the mysterious man to chat.

Torontoist: How did you get into street art?
Specter: I started doing graffiti about twelve years ago in Montreal—no art; just tagging. After a couple years I started to do more artistic work and helped start the Kops crew, which is one of Montreal’s oldest active graffiti crews. My graffiti was always a little different from the traditional stuff. I was always experimenting with different ways to spell my name, then I got in to doing more figurative work on walls and that led to my experimenting with three-dimensional street work.How does your approach differ when creating installation-based pieces, compared to going out tagging or doing burners?
I can only compare painting burners or tagging to installing pieces illegally because the execution is done in a similar environment of stress and speed due to the fact that you may get caught. Installing pieces requires a lot of research and time while a burner or tag can be executed anywhere deemed a good spot. Installations also require a broader base of knowledge about different materials. I wouldn’t say one is harder than the other, but installing pieces in the street definitely takes more time, that’s for sure.What are you hoping to initiate in people with your outdoor installations?
The purpose of my work is to engage people in their environment by altering their surroundings. This causes people to ask questions; What is that? Why did they do that? Getting people to ask questions involves them in their everyday settings, allowing them to view what they may usually take for granted differently. There are also deeper and more complex messages in my work that are intended for art educated viewers, but the main idea is to engage the public.What are some of these more complex messages?
Most of the messages are not as literal as they may seem. They are more about subtleties such as the juxtaposition between a piece and its surroundings or the relationship between them.Have you ever been arrested, and have any of your pranks ever gone awry?
I’ve been busted at least three times and chased more than I can remember. As far as installation gone wrong, there have been several. Sometimes you take weeks to work on a piece, put it up, come back for photos and it’s destroyed. And other times you make something and it doesn’t work as you planned because of forces of nature.Is traditional, wild-style graff dead?
I wouldn’t say that traditional graffiti is dead because Canadian artists like Sight, Causr, Kwest and Stare are really pushing the art form. However, I do think that, for the most part, Canada has become stagnant. If you look at how the Europeans have pushed graffiti, it’s inspiring. If we follow their example, there is no telling what might happen.Another impressive element of your creations is that each piece is different from the others. As such, how would you describe the Specter style to someone unfamiliar with your work?
My style is very open to change. I basically do whatever comes to mind, trying not to set limits on my art by not becoming too comfortable with one medium. Constantly experimenting with new styles and materials allows me to discover different ways to approach each one of my pieces.As you do use so many different materials in your work, what’s been your favorite so far, and what would you really like to experiment with if money wasn’t a worry?
My favorite material is wood because it is so versatile, accessible, permanent and beautiful. If money was not a worry I would love to experiment with concrete and moulds on a large scale.When thinking of a new piece, do you find a spot in need of a facelift or do you create something and then try and find a home for it?
Sometimes a spot will influence a piece or sometimes it’s just an idea that needs a spot to make it come to life. It requires a special attention to be given to things that may seem irrelevant or ordinary. I just try to think of things that are original and fun.Which artists’ work do you admire, and what outside of actual locations inspires you day to day?
I admire all the rebel artists: Duchamp, Basquait and anyone who is willing to challenge the status quo. As far as my own inspiration, I get inspired by architecture, industrial design, graphics, humans—basically everything. I just take it all in and my mind does the rest.As your work resides in the public spectrum, how do you consider your work in relation to advertising, often the most visible of outdoor visuals?
My installations and outdoor advertising relate in many ways. They both try to convey a message or emotion to the viewer. They both use existing space and create a new space to promote and both use imagery as a language. Though I see the many similarities between my installations and outdoor advertising, I feel that my work challenges the viewer and forces them to question their surroundings, which in general, ads are void of.So then what do you think of the intersection between today’s street art and advertising? Does advertising ever inspire you to create?
Some art directors are very talented, just like some street artists are very talented. I think that both take influence from each other. I do feel that street artists are more on the cutting edge however, because of the messages in their work. But as far as visuals are concerned, ads are pretty enticing. Personally, I’m inspired by them. Not only do I constantly think about adding to or changing ads, because they are a visual focal point in our everyday, but I also use advertising icons in my work. However, advertising’s biggest influence on me would be in how I try to mimic their ruthlessness—being that there are no limits to the location, magnitude or ends that advertisers will go to to sell their products.As you’re about to embark on your first solo show in a gallery, what are your thoughts about going from street to gallery? Is it inevitable for any artist working outside, and how can that transition be made seamlessly and without losing your credibility?
I think that as long as you relate to the space you work in, it’s a great opportunity to create something completely controlled. The transition from street to gallery is inevitable for success in the arts because to make a living as an artist you must be able to sell your work. Unfortunately, it is impossible to bring the raw energy of illegal art to a controlled environment, but I think that if you use a different approach for the inside and the outside, you can definitely maintain your cred. Just look at Barry McGee.All images courtesy of Specter. Find more on his website, and don’t forget to check out Resistor Gallery for more info. Specter’s Cardboard Gates installation runs during the gallery’s hours (Friday 10–5 and Saturday 12–4) until Friday July 13.

]]>http://torontoist.com/2007/06/specter/feed/2Rosie, Will You Marry Me?http://torontoist.com/2007/03/rosie_will_you_1/
http://torontoist.com/2007/03/rosie_will_you_1/#commentsWed, 28 Mar 2007 17:10:00 +0000http://torontoist.com/2007/03/rosie_will_you_1/Spring is in the air. Can you feel the love? Apparently while in town this past weekend for a speaking engagement at The Learning Annex Real Estate and Wealth Expo, The Donald also found time to take his message to the streets. Apparently the beef with Rosie is finished and The Donald has developed a […]]]>

Spring is in the air. Can you feel the love? Apparently while in town this past weekend for a speaking engagement at The Learning Annex Real Estate and Wealth Expo, The Donald also found time to take his message to the streets. Apparently the beef with Rosie is finished and The Donald has developed a new affinity for this star of The View. What a big softie! Find more here, and see some more pics after the fold.

Before:
After:

]]>http://torontoist.com/2007/03/rosie_will_you_1/feed/7Turning Point at The Gladstone This Saturday Nighthttp://torontoist.com/2007/03/turning_point_a_1/
http://torontoist.com/2007/03/turning_point_a_1/#commentsFri, 02 Mar 2007 18:00:00 +0000http://torontoist.com/2007/03/turning_point_a_1/Has it really been that long since the last Turning Point session? Apparently it has, and apparently it’s also March. So, to kick off the third month of this here year, A Man Called Warwick and special guest SENOR VISHAL, who’s coming from a recent trip to Columbia where he had a successful mission in […]]]>

Has it really been that long since the last Turning Point session? Apparently it has, and apparently it’s also March. So, to kick off the third month of this here year, A Man Called Warwick and special guest SENOR VISHAL, who’s coming from a recent trip to Columbia where he had a successful mission in unearthing loads of hot tropical riddims, will be spreading aural joy to the droves of dance crazy peoples this Saturday night at the infamous Gladstone Hotel. Be sure to get there before 11 p.m. to ensure a spot inside as there usually tends to be a long line-up.

]]>http://torontoist.com/2007/03/turning_point_a_1/feed/0Turning Point This Saturday at the Famous Gladstone Ballroomhttp://torontoist.com/2007/01/turnign_point_t/
http://torontoist.com/2007/01/turnign_point_t/#commentsFri, 26 Jan 2007 19:00:00 +0000http://torontoist.com/2007/01/turnign_point_t/Although the temperature may be cold enough to cause limited use of one’s extremities, let this not be an excuse for getting your feets, hands and ass (yes, the ass is an extremity, especially the bigger one’s booty) out to the Gladstone Hotel this Saturday night for Turning Point, hosted by the multi-talented, A Man […]]]>

Although the temperature may be cold enough to cause limited use of one’s extremities, let this not be an excuse for getting your feets, hands and ass (yes, the ass is an extremity, especially the bigger one’s booty) out to the Gladstone Hotel this Saturday night for Turning Point, hosted by the multi-talented, A Man Called Warwick. Those who have been out for a Turning Point session before know just how lively they can be. Rare tunes, good peoples and a jam-packed dance floor all combine to make the event one of the longest running and most successful in Toronto’s current nightlife calendar. The special guest this Saturday will be Mr. Andy Williams from Montreal. Get there by 11 or you could literally be left standing out in the cold as space is limited.

]]>http://torontoist.com/2007/01/turnign_point_t/feed/0Merry Christmess From Zantahttp://torontoist.com/2006/12/merry_christmes/
http://torontoist.com/2006/12/merry_christmes/#commentsSun, 24 Dec 2006 16:45:00 +0000http://torontoist.com/2006/12/merry_christmes/Click the image to see it bigger. Warm wishes and happy holidays from Zanta and Fauxreel. Yes! Yes! Yes! (Find it at Queen & Gladstone. Check out the “making of” photos from start to finish after the fold.)]]>

Click the image to see it bigger.
Warm wishes and happy holidays from Zanta and Fauxreel. Yes! Yes! Yes! (Find it at Queen & Gladstone. Check out the “making of” photos from start to finish after the fold.)

]]>http://torontoist.com/2006/12/merry_christmes/feed/20Turning Point at The Gladstone This Saturday December 9http://torontoist.com/2006/12/turning_point_a/
http://torontoist.com/2006/12/turning_point_a/#commentsFri, 08 Dec 2006 18:00:00 +0000http://torontoist.com/2006/12/turning_point_a/Ahh yes. One last Turning Point session for 2006. Join A Man Called Warwick and scores of attractive, energetic and soulful peoples for a night of fun and adventure, or maybe just dancing. It’s at The Gladstone this Saturday Dec 9th (tomorrow night) and you know it’s going to be busy so show up before […]]]>

Ahh yes. One last Turning Point session for 2006. Join A Man Called Warwick and scores of attractive, energetic and soulful peoples for a night of fun and adventure, or maybe just dancing. It’s at The Gladstone this Saturday Dec 9th (tomorrow night) and you know it’s going to be busy so show up before 11 to make sure you get in.

]]>http://torontoist.com/2006/12/turning_point_a/feed/0Resfest Continues All Weekendhttp://torontoist.com/2006/12/resfest_continu/
http://torontoist.com/2006/12/resfest_continu/#commentsFri, 01 Dec 2006 20:15:00 +0000http://torontoist.com/2006/12/resfest_continu/When the weather is this shit the best thing to do is either hang out with friends at someone’s house and tie one on, or go see a flick or two. Last night was time for the latter and the film was Rock The Bells. The film takes a funny, behind the scenes look at […]]]>

When the weather is this shit the best thing to do is either hang out with friends at someone’s house and tie one on, or go see a flick or two. Last night was time for the latter and the film was Rock The Bells. The film takes a funny, behind the scenes look at the trials and tribulations faced by a promoter trying to book the entire Wu Tang Clan for a live show. Can you say Big Baby Jesus Shaolin crackrock? And as the weather continues so does the rest of Resfest. Tonight at 7 there’s a screening of A Decade of Resfest: 10 Seminal Shorts From The Past Decade, Saturday’s got a cool Radiohead Retrospective at 5pm and a should be very interesting lecture by filmmaker Dougal Wilson at 7pm, while Sunday night there’s a Cancon Shorts and Music Video screening at 7pm followed by The Vice Guide To Travel at 8:30.

]]>http://torontoist.com/2006/12/resfest_continu/feed/0Resfest 10th Anniversary Hits Torontohttp://torontoist.com/2006/11/resfest_10th_an/
http://torontoist.com/2006/11/resfest_10th_an/#commentsMon, 27 Nov 2006 23:32:18 +0000http://torontoist.com/2006/11/resfest_10th_an/Has it been 10 years already? Making its final stop on its Canadian tour, Resfest touches down at the newly named Theatre D (formerly The Royal) on College starting this Thursday November 30. Running all weekend, with some 100 works in 15 different programs, Resfest continues its mandate to showcase eclectic international shorts with a […]]]>

Has it been 10 years already? Making its final stop on its Canadian tour, Resfest touches down at the newly named Theatre D (formerly The Royal) on College starting this Thursday November 30. Running all weekend, with some 100 works in 15 different programs, Resfest continues its mandate to showcase eclectic international shorts with a mix of live action, animation, motion graphics and documentary.
Fortunately the good people at the festival have given us a pair of tickets for the opening screening of Rock The Bells and the opening night party going down at Supermarket after the show. Read on for the contest and the schedule of the weekend’s screenings.

The first person who can name the original 9 members of the Wu Tang Clan wins our contest.
E-mail your answers, along with your name, to contests@torontoist.com (with the subject header Resfest). The winner will be announced on Wednesday.

Resfest Toronto Schedule

Thursday Nov 30

7pm Shorts One

9pm Rock The Bells

Friday Dec 1

7pm A Decade of Resfest: Seminal Shorts

9pm Videos That Rock

Saturday Dec 2

1pm Everything Under The Sun

3pm By Design

5pm Radiohead Retrospective

7pm Keynote Speaker: Dougal Wilson

9pm Cinema Electronica

Sunday Dec 3

1pm Shorts Two

3pm Unsung Heroes: Music Videos

5pm Shorts Three

7pm CanCon Shorts and Muisc Videos

8:30pm Paul Frank Presents The Vice Guide To Travel

]]>http://torontoist.com/2006/11/resfest_10th_an/feed/3Elizabeth Shepherd CD Release Partyhttp://torontoist.com/2006/09/elizabeth_shepe/
http://torontoist.com/2006/09/elizabeth_shepe/#commentsWed, 20 Sep 2006 15:00:00 +0000http://torontoist.com/2006/09/elizabeth_shepe/If you read last week’s Now you’ll know all about cover girl Elizabeth Shepherd and her trio’s recent swinging set at The Jazz Cafe in London. Now back on home turf, Elizabeth brings her amazing voice, killer chops and strong compositional skills for a set to celebrate the release of her debut album, Start To […]]]>

If you read last week’s Now you’ll know all about cover girl Elizabeth Shepherd and her trio’s recent swinging set at The Jazz Cafe in London. Now back on home turf, Elizabeth brings her amazing voice, killer chops and strong compositional skills for a set to celebrate the release of her debut album, Start To Move, at The Supermarket tonight, accompanied but of course by her trio. Tickets are $10 and the doors open at 9 pm. Go so you can tell your kids you were there once Elizabeth is all big and famous.

]]>http://torontoist.com/2006/09/elizabeth_shepe/feed/0Adam Beck Is A Pimphttp://torontoist.com/2006/09/adam_beck_is_a/
http://torontoist.com/2006/09/adam_beck_is_a/#commentsThu, 14 Sep 2006 19:35:02 +0000http://torontoist.com/2006/09/adam_beck_is_a/Adam Beck did it all. He was knighted, he founded the Hydro Electric Power Commission of Ontario and he was a pimp. With the large statue of him in downtown Toronto that was recently adorned with some of his vintage jewelry, he must have had quite the stable of hoes.]]>

Adam Beck did it all. He was knighted, he founded the Hydro Electric Power Commission of Ontario and he was a pimp. With the large statue of him in downtown Toronto that was recently adorned with some of his vintage jewelry, he must have had quite the stable of hoes.